Insurance federation introduces new president

Insurance federation introduces new president | Insurance Business

Recaredo Arias, director general of the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies, has moved up from his role as vice president of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations (GFIA).

Following a vote at GFIA’s annual general assembly, Arias emerged as new president of the federation – succeeding Dirk Kempthorne, who stepped down in August after leaving his president and chief executive post at the American Council of Life Insurers. Replacing Arias as GFIA vice president is Insurance Bureau of Canada president and CEO Don Forgeron.

The general assembly also saw the appointment of Tim Grafton, chief executive of the Insurance Council of New Zealand, as membership executive of GFIA. He takes over from Rob Whelan, executive director and CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia.

Meanwhile the mandates of executive committee members Toyonari Sasaki and Bachir Baddou were renewed for another two years. Sasaki, who is vice chairman of the Life Insurance Association of Japan, serves as GFIA treasurer while Moroccan Insurance Association general manager Baddou is regional representative.

Insurance Europe director general Michaela Koller, whose mandate was not up for re-appointment, remains in her capacity as the federation’s secretary general.

“I am honoured to take over the role of president and serve the institution of insurance, at such a crucial time for the global insurance industry,” commented Arias. “I wish to give my heartfelt thanks to Dirk for his brilliant contribution as an advocate for our industry.

“I look forward to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the voice of insurers continues to be heard at the highest levels of international debate.”